Thunderbird versus 364 for Bye Bye Bird
Which of these two harmonicas is recommended for playing Bye Bye Bird? I know that Sonny Boy played the British equivalent of today's Hohner 364. I think Joe Filisko used the 364 for his rendition of the song on "The History of the Blues Harmonica Concert", but would he have chosen the Thunderbird if it was out in 2010 when that recording was made, or would he have chosen the 364 because it sounds more authentic?
This is what a respected harmonica expert (whom you all know), said when I asked him the question.
"I love the Thunderbird, but I have to admit that the longer reeds on
the Low C 364 give a crisper sound and response. I don't like the
covers on the 364, though - hit the 1 draw too hard and you get the
reed rattling against the covers, something you don't get with the
T'bird. The hole spacing is slightly wider on the 364 too, which some
players don't like."
Unless the longer reeds of the 364 are way better, I'd rather not deal with different hole spacing and reed rattling, since I will be using ithe harp for other tunes.
Can someone that has played Bye Bye Bird on both harps give us a comparison?
Thanks Jon, that's good to know about the 364, no wonder they're so cheap!
The 364 is no different from the traditional Marine Band in being assembled with nails. While Marine Bands are much better sealed than they once were, I've personally never had a problem with the 364 comb swelling. I have some 364s and 365s and SBS 365s for which I've flattened and sealed the comb, rounded the tines, and converted to screw assembly.
The 364 has a deeper reedplate (front to back) and longer reeds than the MB/Crossover/Thunderbird. That gives it, to my ear, a bit more oomph than the shorter Marine Band reeds, but also less crispness.
You have choices . . .
A couple of other disadvantages to the 364 is the comb is unfinished and prone to degrade and swell. Also it's put together with nails and doesn't come apart for service. Although I play a 364 that is customized I still prefer the T-Bird. One last thing is the T-Bird is made in Germany and the 364 is not.